Advancements in Bio-Based Polypropylene for Packaging
23 patents in this list
Updated:
Bio-based polypropylene materials currently achieve 30-70% renewable content while maintaining mechanical properties comparable to fossil-based alternatives. However, these materials face challenges in thermal stability during processing, with color changes observed above certain temperature thresholds and potential degradation of barrier properties in packaging applications.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining consistent polymer chain length and crystallinity when incorporating bio-derived monomers while preserving the mechanical and barrier properties that make polypropylene valuable for packaging.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including phosphorus-based stabilization systems, hybrid fossil-bio substrate layers with improved coating adhesion, and optimized biomass-derived monomer ratios for sealant applications. These and other approaches focus on achieving commercial-grade performance while maximizing renewable content in packaging materials.
1. Biodegradable Polyolefin Composites with Anaerobic Decomposition Capability
ENLIGHTENED PRODUCT SOLUTIONS, LLC, 2024
Renewably-sourced biodegradable polyolefin packaging, utensils, and containers that can decompose under anaerobic conditions without UV light. The packaging, utensils, and containers are made by mixing renewable polyolefins with biodegrading agents. The biodegrading agents enhance biodegradation of the polyolefins. This allows the packaging, utensils, and containers to decompose in landfills without harming the environment.
2. Heat Sealable Film Comprising Bionaphtha-Derived Propylene and Phosphorus-Based Antioxidant
王子ホールディングス株式会社, OJI HOLDINGS CO LTD, 2024
Heat sealable film made from propylene derived from bionaphtha that has reduced environmental impact compared to petroleum-based films. The film contains at least 10% bionaphtha-derived propylene units relative to the film mass and 300-1000 ppm of phosphorus-based antioxidant. This composition reduces change in color, transparency, and mechanical properties compared to films with lower bionaphtha content. The film can be used for packaging materials and laminated structures.
3. Composite Substrate Layer Incorporating Biomass-Derived and Fossil Fuel-Derived Polyolefins
TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC., 2024
Barrier films, packaging materials, containers, and products with improved barrier performance and lower environmental impact by using biomass-derived polyolefins in the substrate layer. The substrate layer contains a mixture of biomass-derived polyolefins and fossil fuel-derived polyolefins. The biomass content in the substrate is at least 5%. This composition prevents bleeding of low-molecular-weight components from the biomass polymer that can peel off the inorganic coating. The mixed substrate with biomass content improves adhesion to metal oxide coatings or printing layers.
4. Edible Films Comprising Biopolymer-Infused Waste Fruit Peel Extracts
Ms B T NITHIYA PRIYA, NANDHAKUMAR R, NARMATHA K, 2024
Enriched edible films for primary food packaging made from waste fruit peels like banana and jackfruit peels, to replace non-biodegradable plastics and foils. The films are made by extracting nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from the fruit peels, then combining them with biopolymers to create edible films that can be used as primary packaging for food. This provides a sustainable and nutritious alternative to plastic wraps, reduces waste, and enhances the nutritional value of packaged foods.
5. Biomass-Derived 4-Methyl-1-Pentene Polymer Blended with Polyester Resin for Porous Material Formation
MITSUI CHEMICALS INC, 2024
A biomass-derived polymer for making lightweight, porous materials like sheets and bottles with improved properties for applications like display screens and packaging. The polymer is a biomass-derived 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer that is blended with a polyester resin. The polymer has a specific composition with 30-100 mol % 4-methyl-1-pentene units derived from biomass and 0-70 mol % units from other α-olefins. The blended resin can be processed into porous sheets or bottles with voids by stretching or blow molding. The biomass-derived polymer provides mechanical strength, light scattering, and biodegradability compared to fossil-based polymers.
6. Biofilm Comprising Banana Peel-Derived Pectin with Lemon Peel Induced Extraction and Antioxidant Properties
ASHWIN RAJ SURESH, DAYAANITHI MURUGESAN, SHREERANJANA SHANMUGANATHAN, 2024
Preparing pectin from banana peels to make a natural packaging material for meat that preserves it and indicates its nature. The pectin is extracted from banana peels using lemon peel as an inducer. The pectin is then used to create a biofilm that can be applied to meat to preserve it and provide an indicator of freshness. The banana peel pectin also has antioxidant properties.
7. Laminated Packaging Material with Biomass-Derived Peelable Layer and Polyolefin Main Layer
DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD, 2024
Laminated packaging material that has a peelable layer to enable easy opening in clean environments without contaminating the contents. The laminate has two layers, one that peels off at 180 degrees angle and low peel strength, and another main layer with high peel strength. The peelable layer contains a biomass-derived resin and has a density of 0.909 g/cm. The main layer has polyolefin content of 82% or more. This configuration allows the peelable layer to be easily removed to expose a clean surface on the main layer for use in clean environments. The biomass resin in the peelable layer suppresses bulging between layers. The low peel strength prevents adhesion of contaminants.
8. Sealant Composition with Biomass-Derived Propylene and Ethylene Polymers and Ethylene/Carboxylic Acid Copolymer
DOW MITSUI POLYCHEMICALS CO LTD, DOW-MITSUI POLYCHEMICALS CO LTD, 2024
Sealant composition for packaging applications that provides improved environmental friendliness while maintaining adhesion and easy-opening properties. The sealant composition contains propylene polymer, ethylene polymer, and ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer or its ionomer. The copolymer and ionomer can be made from biomass-derived monomers. The overall composition has a biomass content between 0-100%. This allows using renewable resources in the sealant without sacrificing adhesion and peelability compared to fossil fuel-based sealants.
9. Resin Composition with Biomass-Derived Propylene and Ethylene Polymers for Packaging Sealants
DOW MITSUI POLYCHEMICALS CO LTD, DOW-MITSUI POLYCHEMICALS CO LTD, 2024
Resin composition for sealants in packaging applications that provides improved properties like adhesion and easy opening compared to fossil fuel-derived sealants, while also being environmentally friendly. The composition contains specific ratios of biomass-derived propylene polymer, ethylene polymer, and tackifier resin. It uses biomass-derived structural units in the propylene polymer, biomass ethylene in the ethylene polymer, and optionally biomass-derived tackifier resin. The biomass content is at least 0% and less than 100% by mass. This composition balances sealing strength and ease of opening for packaging materials like laminates and lids.
10. Nanocellulose Production via Enzymatic and Acidic Hydrolysis of Cellulose-Containing Material
LACTIPS, 2024
A method for producing nanocellulose using a hydrolysis process that involves treating cellulose-containing material with a hydrolyzing agent to break down the cellulose into nanocellulose. The hydrolyzing agent may be an enzyme, a mineral acid, or a combination thereof. The enzyme may be derived from a microorganism, such as a fungus or bacteria. The method may also include steps for filtering and drying the nanocellulose to obtain a final product. The resulting nanocellulose has various applications, such as in food and beverage products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, due to its unique properties, such as high surface area, high aspect ratio, and biocompatibility.
11. Biodegradable Packaging Comprising Renewable Polyolefins and Hydrophilic Additive Blend
Enlightened Product Solutions, LLC, 2024
Biodegradable packaging made from renewable sources like sugarcane and starch-containing agricultural waste. The packaging is formed by blending biodegradable additives with renewably sourced polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene. The additives enhance biodegradability of the packaging without affecting its durability. The biodegradable additives contain hydrophilic compounds that make the plastic more susceptible to microbial degradation. The packaging can be used for food items like ice cream and then biodegrade in landfills or composting facilities without polluting the environment.
12. Packaging Material with Biomass-Derived Polyolefin Substrate and Fossil Fuel-Derived Polyolefin Outer Layer
TOPPAN PRINTING CO LTD, 2023
Packaging material with improved adhesion between the substrate layer containing biomass-derived polyolefin and the printed layer. The packaging material has a base layer made of biomass-derived polyolefin with at least 5% biomass content. An outer fossil fuel-derived polyolefin layer is added on the printed side. This improves adhesion compared to using only biomass-derived polyolefin. An optional adhesion layer between the fossil and printed layers further enhances bonding. Drying the adhesion layer can help.
13. Biodegradable Multi-Layer Packaging Film with Paper Reinforcement and Barrier Properties
DONGWON SYS CORP, DONGWON SYSTEMS CORP, 2023
Eco-friendly packaging film for post-sterilization applications that can be used for food, medical, and industrial packaging. The film is made of biodegradable materials like PBAT, PBS, PHA, PLA, TPS, PVA, PCL, PE, PP, oxo-PE, oxo-PP, Bio-PE, Bio-PP, Bio-PET, EVA, EVOH, PVDC, PET, etc. A paper layer is added on top. The film has oxygen and moisture barrier properties and can be sterilized after filling. The paper provides strength and prevents bursting during sterilization. The film thickness is 50-400 um. The paper layer is 30-250 g/m2. The film can seal with devices like pumps, spouts, zippers, etc. The film has oxygen perme
14. Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis via Peel Extract-Mediated Reduction of Silver Nitrate
DR. RENU MAVI, RAKSHIT SINGH, DR. ASHOK KUMAR, 2023
Rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles using kitchen waste like green pea and bottle gourd peels. The green synthesis method involves using extracts from the peels as a reducing agent to convert silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles. This provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical methods. The nanoparticles have been characterized using techniques like X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy.
15. Method for Forming Packaging Materials from Processed Brewery Spent Grain Pulp
COORS BREWING COMPANY, 2022
Making sustainable packaging and products using spent grains from breweries. The method involves processing the spent grains into a balanced mixture of grains, hops, and spices. This mixture is shredded and combined with water to make a pulp. The pulp is then formed into a shape like paper or labels using a screen. The water is removed to create the final product. This allows using brewery waste instead of virgin materials for packaging and products.
16. Biaxially Stretched Polypropylene Film with Plant-Derived Resin Component and Multi-Layer Structure
SUNTOX CO LTD, 2022
Biaxially stretched polypropylene film for packaging with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional OPP films. The film contains a polypropylene-based resin with a plant-derived polypropylene component. By using a plant-derived polypropylene resin instead of all petroleum-derived resin, it reduces reliance on petroleum resources and lowers carbon emissions. The film structure can have a base layer with at least one layer and skin layers like heat seal or matte layers. The plant-derived resin content in the base layer is limited to prevent film tearing during formation. The film has good transparency, mechanical strength, and heat resistance.
17. Laminate Structure with Biomass-Derived Polyethylene and Functional Resin Layer for Odor Mitigation in Liquid Paper Packaging
JUJO PAPER CO LTD, NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO LTD, 2021
Laminate for liquid paper containers and packaging with reduced odor transfer from biomass-derived resin layers. The laminate has a biomass-derived polyethylene layer on the back surface, sandwiched between a paper layer and a thermoplastic layer. A functional resin layer between the biomass-derived layer and the paper layer blocks odor transfer from the biomass resin. This prevents odor migration to the container contents when molded. The functional resin can be an adhesive like ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer or polypropylene.
18. Oral Pouched Smokeless Tobacco Product with Stalk, Root, and Flower-Derived Filling Material
REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH, 2021
Oral pouched smokeless tobacco product with a filling material made entirely from tobacco derived from stalks, roots, and/or flowers. The filling lacks tobacco from other plant parts like leaves and stems. This provides a light-colored tobacco filling with improved organoleptic properties compared to traditional tobacco fillings. The filling is made by mixing tobacco derived from stalks, roots, and/or flowers with other ingredients to create a smokeless tobacco product filling.
19. Laminated Paper Cup with Biomass-Derived Polyolefin Layer Containing Minimum 5% Biomass Content
DAINIPPON PRINTING CO LTD, 2020
Laminated paper cup body made with biodegradable biomass-derived polyolefin that reduces fossil fuel use compared to conventional cups. The cup has a paper base layer and an innermost polyolefin layer made from a biomass-derived polymer. The biomass-derived polyolefin has at least 5% biomass content by weight. The cup also has optional layers like barrier, printing, and adhesive layers. The biomass-derived polyolefin provides mechanical properties similar to fossil-based polyolefin to maintain cup performance.
20. Spout Comprising Polyolefin and Plant-Derived Particle Composite with Acetylated Surface
FUJIMORI KOGYO CO, FUJIMORI KOGYO CO LTD, 2020
Spout for packaging bags that improves yield, ease of filling, and visibility compared to traditional spouts. The spout is made of a mixed material containing polyolefin resin and particles derived from wood, rice, starch, or plant sources. This mixture allows the spout to be easily heat-sealed during bag manufacturing. It also provides a more natural look compared to clear spouts, as the mixed material has a more opaque appearance. The spout particles can be acetylated to improve surface adhesion during heat sealing. The spout dimensions and polyolefin resin properties are optimized for bag manufacturing and performance.
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